Media Advisory

5 September 2008

Ministry Of Defence Announces Key Appointments

Two key appointments have been made in the Ministry of Defence.

Mr Des Ashton, formerly the General Manager of Safe Air Ltd, has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Acquisition and Dr Brook Barrington, currently the New Zealand Ambassador to Thailand, as Deputy Secretary for Policy and Planning. The appointments were announced today by the Secretary of Defence, Mr John McKinnon.

” Des Ashton is a highly qualified manager, chief executive and director. He brings to this key position a wealth of experience from his time with Safe Air and as a senior manager with Air New Zealand”, Mr McKinnon said.

“Des’s early career in the RNZAF gives him an understanding of the challenges and opportunities that face the NZDF today.

“He will be responsible, through me, to the Government for the effective and efficient management of the Crown’s military procurement programme, of which there are seven major projects each worth over $100 million in a government capital investment programme of around $4 billion.

“Des will be charged with ensuring that the contracted military capability is delivered as agreed with the contractor. He will also negotiate new contracts once the New Zealand Government has approved proceeding to a new acquisition”, said Mr McKinnon.

Dr Brook Barrington will be responsible for the formulation of advice on defence policy, including advice on New Zealand’s strategic and security environment, and also on the capabilities required to meet the Government’s policy objectives, Mr McKinnon continued.

“Brook has excellent qualifications for this position. Prior to his appointment in Bangkok he worked as the Foreign Policy and Defence Adviser in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. His range of appointments fit well with his new position”, Mr McKinnon said.

Mr Ashton will take up his position from October 1st of this year and Dr Barrington will join the Ministry of Defence in 2009.

ENDS

© Scoop Media